Paul Mullin is yet to find form this season but Phil Parkinson could change that when Wrexham face Birmingham City.
The American-owned clubs are set to go head-to-head in what is expected to be a star-studded affair at the Racecourse Ground this week.
Wrexham are underdogs for the clash after losing to Birmingham City in their previous meeting while sitting five points behind them in the League One table despite having played two games more this term.
However, the Red Dragons have one thing going for them ahead of kick-off on Thursday in their impeccable home record, which has seen them remain undefeated in Wales since March 2024.
But if Phil Parkinson wants to stand a real chance of causing an upset and keeping his side’s unbeaten streak intact, he needs his centre-forwards, especially Paul Mullin, to start finding the back of the net on a more consistent basis.
Wrexham formation change could see Paul Mullin thrive
Mullin is seriously struggling at Wrexham in 2024/25, scoring just two League One goals in 24 appearances.
The 30-year-old has missed some big chances to end his poor streak of form but the striker isn’t being helped out by his teammates.
Mullin thrives when he’s fed quick balls into the box from the bylines or via the attacking midfielder.
However, this season has seen the number nine starved of quality chances, often feeding on scraps and being forced to take shots from underfavourable positions.
To fix this issue, Parkinson could look to change Wrexham’s formation when they host Birmingham in midweek.
None of his strikers are performing well this term so he should instead put all his energy into getting the club’s record goalscorer firing.
To do this, Parkinson could switch to a 3-4-2-1 system, with Mullin playing as the only number nine.
Elliot Lee and Matty James can feed Paul Mullin
Wrexham don’t have many natural wingers of real quality on their books, so Parkinson should instead look to his midfielders to act as inside forwards in a 3-4-2-1
Elliot Lee is the obvious candidate to play one side of Mullin, while Matty James could be deployed on the other side.
James isn’t the quickest player but he’s proven in his short time at Wrexham his ability to pick a pass is second to none.
Ollie Rathbone and George Dobson would then be used in deeper midfield roles as their work rates are superb and are well suited to chasing down the ball.
It’s an unorthodox plan, granted, but if Mullin’s Wrexham career is to be saved, he needs to be given better chances on a more consistent basis and having two creative midfielders playing just behind him may be what is needed.